In 2015, I made the decision to sell all my possessions and embark on a journey around the world in hopes of getting fit. Despite waking up in amazing locations in 25 countries over four years, my weight of 350 pounds at 5 feet, 5 inches made it difficult to fully enjoy the experiences. The dream of being a nomad came to an end in 2019 in Sicily when the 88 steps to my rooftop apartment became unbearable. It was then that I realized I needed to prioritize my health and make a change in my lifestyle.
I shifted my focus towards staying healthy and prolonging my life, as my mother had passed away at 57 while I was 46. Determined to improve my future, I set a goal to be in better shape at 50 than I was at 40. Although the journey seemed daunting, I began by adopting one positive habit at a time, starting with returning to Canada.
Since then, I have lost 110 pounds and recently bought my first large-sized shirts in 15 years, having previously worn size 4X. I can now walk long distances without difficulty, a feat I couldn’t achieve before. While there is still progress to be made, I have established a healthy lifestyle that brings me joy, and I eagerly anticipate new adventures in the years to come.
Here are the key steps that led me to where I am today:
1. Prioritizing walking: I relocated to Victoria, British Columbia, where I live a short distance from downtown, shops, parks, and the ocean, allowing me to walk most places. I also utilize car-sharing services and public transportation when needed. Additionally, I engage in light exercises like qigong while watching TV, resulting in improved fitness levels.
2. Avoiding liquid calories: By refraining from consuming high-calorie beverages, such as wine, I no longer stress over calorie counting. I focus on eating satisfying meals rather than fixating on daily calorie intake, allowing for flexibility in my diet.
3. Embracing home cooking: Transitioning from a lifestyle of eating out while traveling to preparing meals at home has been transformative. I have developed a passion for cooking from scratch, creating a variety of dishes ranging from pasta to curries. Discovering my gluten intolerance prompted me to explore new recipes, enhancing my culinary skills and overall well-being.
4. Enjoying cooking shows: Watching cooking programs has inspired me to experiment with diverse recipes and techniques, further enhancing my love for preparing meals at home.
By implementing these changes and maintaining a positive mindset, I have achieved significant improvements in my health and overall well-being, paving the way for a fulfilling and active lifestyle ahead.
I was raised in a home where meat and potatoes were the staple, and boiled vegetables were the norm. However, exposure to new vegetables and cooking techniques through travel broadened my culinary horizons. The real turning point came with my discovery of cooking shows, particularly MasterChef Australia, recommended by a friend during the early days of the pandemic. The show’s celebration of vegetables as culinary stars rather than mere sides inspired me to experiment with dishes like harissa-rubbed cauliflower steaks paired with walnut-and-parsley salsa, drawing inspiration from renowned chefs like Simon Toohey and Yotam Ottolenghi.
This newfound passion for vegetable-centric cooking led me to start a herb garden on my balcony, providing a convenient source of fresh herbs for my dishes. Embracing a mindful approach to eating, I adopted a flexible intermittent fasting routine to curb late-night snacking habits. Rather than fixating on numbers on a scale, I prioritize how I feel physically and emotionally, focusing on overall well-being and self-acceptance.
Reflecting on my journey, I recall a pivotal moment of realization during a challenging time in Palermo, Sicily, which fueled my transformation towards a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. Today, I embrace the joy of exploration and look forward to revisiting old memories with a newfound sense of self and purpose.
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